Why Do My Ears Feel Hot?

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JESSICA LIETZ Last Updated: Aug 16, 2013

Jessica Lietz

Jessica Lietz has been writing about health-related topics since 2009. She has several years of experience in genetics research, survey design, analysis and epidemiology, working on both infectious and chronic diseases. Lietz holds a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from The Ohio State University.

Swimming in bacteria-laden water can cause infections that lead to hotness of the ears.Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Hotness of the ears might cause discomfort and interfere with typical daily activities such as listening to music, talking on the phone or even participating in face-to-face conversations. Hotness that persists, worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms such as ear or facial pain might require medical evaluation. Fortunately, most of the time heat in the ears is a preventable and easily treatable condition.

Features

People with hot ears might notice additional symptoms, including redness of the ears, fever, headache or pain. In some cases, people might develop drainage of fluid from the ear. In addition, loss of balance, difficulty hearing, changes in the skin around the ear, decreased appetite and increased irritability might develop, depending on what is causing the hot ears.

Identification

General physicians and specialists such as ear, nose and throat doctors and dermatologists diagnose ear problems such as hotness to the touch by examining the patient and taking a medical history, including asking about recent exposures or illnesses. If an infection or obstruction of the ear is suspected as the cause of ear hotness, doctors might use an otoscope to examine the inside of the ear as well as the throat and nasal passages.

Causes

Infections of the middle ear caused by bacteria or viruses can enter the ear and cause the ear to be hot. According to MayoClinic.com, these infections sometimes result from another illness such as a cold or the flu. In other cases, infections of the outer ear that result from excess moisture from swimming or showering, injuries from cleaning the ears or the use of devices such as ear buds or earplugs can cause the ears to feel hot. Hotness of the ears might also result from a sunburn, especially in people with fair skin.

Treatments

Doctors usually recommend pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and hotness caused by ear infections, although severe or persistent infections might require oral antibiotics. According to MayoClinic.com, doctors treat infections of the outer ear by first cleaning the ear and then prescribing ear drops that contain one or a combination of medications including steroids, antibiotics and anti-fungals. The National Library of Medicine website recommends treating ears that are hot because of a sunburn with cool wash cloths and moisturizing cream to reduce comfort, along with ibuprofen for pain.

Prevention/Solution

To help prevent infections that cause the ears to be hot, wash hands frequently, avoid secondhand smoke and breast-feed babies for a minimum of six months. In addition, avoid swimming in bacteria-laden waters, do not stick things into the ear canals and drain the ears after swimming. Use sunscreen on all exposed skin, including the ears, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to help protect hot ears caused by sunburns.

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